Any momentum Johnny Damon's leadoff homer in the first inning gave the Yankees was wiped away in the fifth as Chien-Ming Wang was lifted in the bottom of the frame after allowing eight runs in his shaky start. The Yankees loaded the bases in the fifth but managed just one run.

Kenny Lofton led the Indians' series-opening charge with four RBIs, and Asdrubal Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Travis Hafner and Ryan Garko homered in what the Tribe hopes is a tone-setting win. Cy Young hopeful C.C. Sabathia overcame six walks in five innings on the mound.